Hard freeze damages vegetation on St. Patrick’s Day morning

A hard freeze is occurring this St. Patrick’s Day morning and is damaging unprotected vegetation, including early season fruit crops, Darkhorse Press reported.

The outlet said much colder air moving in behind a cold front is producing the significant freeze. Cold fronts bring a marked drop in temperatures as denser, cooler air displaces warmer air, often leading to overnight frost or freezing conditions.

Freezes can injure buds, blossoms and young leaves on trees, vines and other plants that have emerged or broken dormancy earlier than usual. Growers and gardeners may see reduced yields or lost fruit if delicate tissues have been exposed to subfreezing temperatures.

Farmers and homeowners commonly use measures such as covering plants, applying irrigation for frost protection, or employing wind machines and heaters to reduce damage, though effectiveness varies with conditions and crop type. We will provide more information as it becomes available.